OK .....So I'm up and running....Where do you lot hang out?

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[SlipperySquid]

Right so I've now got a scope (6" reflector on an EQ5 mount with ra and dec motors..polar scope etc)....got a selection of cheapo Plossls....Got a nice Lumicon Deep Sky filter which really does help with light pollution (also got a mead narrow band nebula filter but I need a bigger apature scope to get the best out of it methinks)...So I'm set up and been observing..I also joined Stargazers lounge as there is a lot more activity on there then here but I would like to pick the brains of some local astronomers if possible? Mainly in finding other objects to look at apart from M42 I've seen a couple of doubles...Andromeda galaxy ...Mars...but honestly I'm overwhelmed with whats out there and where really to start and could do with a few pointers in the right direction from some one with local knowlege could help me in my star hopping etc?

Is there such a thing as  a Hull astonomy scene?

Well if anyone could help it would be greatly appreciated....I'm even thinking of getting my backside to a couple of Star Parties this year!!

[flamencopaul]

Well done getting the scope and gear.

You're right there are so many things out there. The quickest way into the night sky is to get one of the beginners 'Guide to the Night Sky' type books, because they usually list the best objects for small 'scopes along with good instructions on how to find them.

Another good idea if you haven't already done it, is to download one of the planetarium programs available free on the internet - Stellarium is excellent and fairly easy to use - then at least you can make use of cloudy nights to get a general idea of where things are in the sky, which constellations/planets are visible and at what time of night, print out star charts to help you star-hop etc.

If you're a night owl, Saturn is rising in the south east and is about 20 degrees up by 1-00AM - it's the brightest thing in that part of the sky, you should see the rings/moons. Jupiter is still visible low in the west just after sunset.

Galaxies to look out for are M81, M82 and M51 in Ursa Major, and if you're up late, the 2 Leo triplets M65, M66, NGC3628 and M95, M96 and M105. There are mary good clusters. M36, M37 and M38 in Auriga, M35 in Gemini and the 'double cluster' NGC869 in Perseus.

These objects are all relatively bright and should be visible in your 'scope if you don't have too much light pollution and they're not too difficult to find. If you have a pair of binos, familiarise yourself with the area containing the object you want to find before you start star hopping and check that your finderscope is aligned with your main 'scope.

There is a local astronomy scene - there are usually people imaging at the BLAS observatory any night the sky is clear and you'd be more than welcome to bring your 'scope. Their next club meeting is on monday and we'll be there whatever the weather from about 7-30 if you want to come and say hello. The East Riding Astronomers meet in Beverley on the 3rd monday in the month.

Hope this is useful, and I hope we get some clear nights soon 'cos I'm getting withdrawl symptoms. Feel free to give me a call on 01482 448060.

Paul.

[SlipperySquid]

Thanks for the reply Paul! I will try my damndest to make it to BLAS....but I'm dictated by work and don't have much structure to the hours I do!

I've already got Stellarium installed on all my pc's but find it hard when actually outside continually running into my shed to make sure I'm looking in the right direction!
I know a lot is to do with actually learning the night sky which I'm gradually getting around to doing and unfortunately for me, most views to the west of me are blotted out with the light pollution! Though the Lumicon filter really does help! (didnt think it would!) from around NW to S is not to bad, but I need to try another location as I am slightly restricted in my back garden with tree's etc!

My polar alignment doesnt seem to bad at the moment as I'm just using a compass to align the mount North as I don't fancy undoing grub screws in the dark to align the polar scope!

The skies are spoiling things at the moment...but then again if it was clear skies every night I think some of the magic would die .
I'll give you a bell and pick your brains over the phone!

Oh I don't suppose you've browsed through the books Turn left at orion or Nightwatch? I'm feeling drawn to Nightwatch at the moment?

Thanks again

Matt.